With intense action and mind-blowing science, Thomas Locke goes back to the beginning of the story with his prequel novel “Fault Lines.”

Charlie Hazard, an expert in risk containment, is dragged into a strange and dangerous situation when the mysterious Gabriella McLaren, an experimental psychologist, whisks him off to a secret mission with no explanation. Convincing him, through a scientific experiment, to help her cause, Charlie brings in the help of his friend and retired police detective Irma Steeg and Julio, a teen who frequents the community center where Charlie works.

Reese Clawson works for a super secretive group called The Combine, an alleged think tank made up of representatives from many major corporations. Reese heads a security detail whose job is to eliminate anyone or anything that gets in the way of maintaining their greedy corporate culture.

Readers of the first two novels in Locke’s series, which actually occur after “Fault Lines,” will recognize the “ascent” process that occurs in this story — and is at the center of the battle between the two groups. Dealing with chaos theory and quantum physics, Gabriella’s group of scientists seeks to quantify unseen experiences so that they can be measured. They hope to separate human consciousness from the physical body — leading to out-of-body experiences and the ability to see into the future.

The Combine opposes Gabriella’s group because they fear her process will appeal to people and therefore impede their ability to maximize global profit and power. Its goal is to vanquish all opposition to their hold on the masses, at any cost.

“Fault Lines” takes us from America to Italy and Switzerland, as well as on an incredible scientific journey. It is a story of making the determination between right and wrong, good and evil, and fighting for what’s good and true. It’s a story that reminds us of loyalty and determination.

Those familiar with the first two novels, “Trial Run” and “Flash Point,” will recognize many of the characters, like Charlie, Gabriella and Reese. This novel will help the reader understand how the story began, and how the characters got to where they were by the end of “Flash Point.” For example, Reese’s extreme hatred toward Charlie in “Flash Point” will make more sense after reading this novel.

“Fault Lines” does feature quite a bit of violence, as the two forces battle each other, but it’s an interesting, intense, high-impact story.